Uruguay - 94.43
7
Suspiciously German in their efficiency
Uruguay is perhaps the ultimate success story out of Latin America, being comparable more to Western European countries than to neighbors like Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay’s democracy is one of the strongest in the world, and the country has perhaps stronger protections for freedom than any other country on Earth. Uruguay’s GDP has been stagnating for some time and the country suffers from a high unemployment rate.
Human Rights - 98
Uruguay has fully abolished the death penalty. The government recently expanded self-defense provisions, removing a duty to retreat into homes from gardens, garages, sheds, or vehicles. Prison conditions varied widely, with some prisons being severely overcrowded and lacking adequate sanitation while others met international standards. Uruguay guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights except the right of trans people to serve openly. Abortion is legal to twelve weeks.
Democracy - 100
The president is directly elected, and can seek infinite nonconsecutive terms but cannot seek two consecutive terms. The Assembly is directly elected. Elections are fairly and freely managed. Uruguay has a strong multi-party system dominated by the Partido Colorado, Frente Amplio Coalition, and Partido Nacional, but smaller parties compete in elections and regularly gain seats.
Freedom - 100
Uruguay has no hate speech laws, with attempts to instate such laws repeatedly being struck down as unconstitutional. Uruguay’s policy for combatting cartels is that small-time dealers are a waste of time for the judicial system, and that their flow of drugs will dry up if large-scale dealers can be shut down. In addition, drug use and drug possession are not criminalized. Uruguay shall issue gun ownership licenses for up to three semi-automatic rifles or handguns, with a justification required for more than three.
Economy - 87
0.1% of Uruguayans live below the international poverty line, while 8.8% live below the national poverty line. 12.67% of Uruguayans are unemployed, despite this, the country has a low economic disparity. Uruguay maintains a strong semi-universal healthcare system, with employers mandated to provide healthcare to all employees, pensioners, and their dependents. The government also provides free healthcare to people outside of these groups but it is not fully comprehensive. 99% of Uruguayans have access to clean, running water. Uruguay’s economy shrunk 5.9% in 2020 and grew 0.4% in 2019
Health - 92
Uruguay has a life expectancy of 78 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.61%. 27.9% of Uruguayans are obese and 4.5% are malnourished. Uruguay’s semi-universal healthcare system provides high-quality care through an insurance scheme provided by employers, backed by a non-comprehensive government-provided scheme. 99% of Uruguayans have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 98
Public contracts are sometimes difficult to obtain without bribery. No other major issues were noted.
Competency - 96
The government is failing to guarantee universal healthcare coverage.
Future - 78
Uruguay’s economy has been stagnating for several years and just suffered a major hit due to COVID. It will likely take several years for it to recover. In their favor, however, Uruguay’s democracy is steadfast and their government remains committed to freedoms.
Actions Abroad - 75
Uruguay has a cold territorial dispute with Brazil over the tiny, uninhabited Isla Brasiliera. The two countries maintain good relations despite the dispute. Uruguay recognizes both Israel and Palestine. Uruguay has been working with Russia on a nuclear energy project but maintains very good relations with the United States.